An argument between a pair of Mosgiel men escalated from words to one pointing a rifle at the other’s face, police say.
Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond, of Dunedin, said armed police were called to Murray St at 2.35pm yesterday.
The two men, aged 25 and 30, were confronting each other on the street when the argument escalated and the older man went inside a property and came out with an airsoft rifle, which he pointed at the younger man.
The pair continued to argue, then the 25-year-old left the scene. The other man then discharged the rifle into the ground and fled in a vehicle to a nearby address.
He later told police that he shot the air rifle ‘‘to unload it’’, Snr Sgt Bond said.
Armed police were called and they seized the firearm.
The 30-year-old was arrested and charged with presenting a firearm, and for failing to comply with the conditions of a protection order.
He would appear in Dunedin District Court today.
